MAN UTD legend Paul Scholes realised he had to retire for the final time after Gareth Bale ran him ragged.
Scholes initially called time on his illustrious playing career at the end of the 2010-11 season after winning the title for the 10th time.
But the Old Trafford ace was tempted out of retirement just seven months later to help Sir Alex Ferguson’s injury crisis at the time.
After returning in January 2012, Scholes went on to play for another 16 months before eventually hanging up his boots for the final time in May 2013 at the age of 38.
But Scholes revealed it was a “mistake” to agree to return and “knew” it was time for him to step aside after a particularly humbling afternoon against Spurs star Bale.
Bale had become one of the most devastating players in the Premier League and would soon join Real Madrid in a deal worth £85m.
Scholes told Football’s Greatest podcast: “I actually thought the first time I retired would be the end.
“I came back for six months originally and then the manager wanted me to stay for another season and I think that was a mistake.
“I think it was the first home game of my last season, against Tottenham. I remember I didn’t actually play that badly but I remember playing against Gareth Bale.
“Now this could have happened to me when I was 21 but he was just starting to burst and he was flying.
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“I remember him going past me two or three times and I knew I couldn’t compete with that, I had absolutely no chance.
“I was in the ice bath later and I could’ve been in there for two days, I could barely move for three or four days.
“That’s when I knew that was the end. It was a mistake to play that season.”
Bale scored in Tottenham’s 3-2 win at Old Trafford in 2012, a game which convinced Scholes he should retire for good.
Scholes would play in Ferguson’s final home game as manager of United – but he wasn’t all that keen.
He added: “It was a special moment (to come on for his final game) but I didn’t really want it, I wanted to go away quietly.
“I didn’t even want to play the last game and even that confirmed I was doing the right thing.”
Ranked by his peers as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, it’s not hard to imagine why Ferguson requested for one of his favourites to come out of retirement.
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Scholes made his comeback in a 3-2 win over rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup and also revealed how he had to go to the local sports shop to pick up a new pair of boots for the match.
Some players didn’t know he was coming back until they saw his shirt in the dressing room.
He made 17 appearances that season as United lost out to City for the league title on the final day of the season.
The 66-capped England star went onto win another Prem title with United the following season – his 11th of his career.
Since retiring, Scholes has become a well-respected football pundit, working on TNT Sports – and Premier League Productions.
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What Man Utd said on hiring EACH of their post-Fergie managers
David Moyes
“All the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy.”
Louis van Gaal
“One of the outstanding managers in the game today.”
Jose Mourinho
“Quite simply the best manager in the game today.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
“A wealth of experience, with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”
Erik ten Hag
“One of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.”
Ruben Amorim
“One of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.”
